RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced plans to launch a new low-cost airline with a fleet of 45 planes to be ready by 2030 to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a regional aviation hub.
According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the airline will be a joint venture between the United Arab Emirates’ carrier Air Arabia, KUN Investment Holding, and Nesma. The airline will be headquartered at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport.
It is expected to operate on both domestic and international routes and would expand the growing aviation market of Saudi Arabia.
According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the new airline plans to operate across 24 domestic and 57 international destinations, targeting the transportation of approximately 10 million passengers annually.
Supported by a fleet of 45 aircraft, the airline is expected to generate over 2,400 direct jobs.
In a statement, GACA stated: “This move aims to enhance air connectivity in the Eastern Province, increase seat capacity, and provide passengers with competitive options.”
The announcement is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to become a leading regional aviation hub. Under the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services, the country aims to handle 330 million passengers and transport 4.5 million tons of air cargo annually by 2030.
King Fahd International Airport handled 12 million passengers last year, up 15 percent from the previous year, with over 99,000 flights recorded, according to data from Dammam Airports Co.
The airport also set a daily passenger traffic record, surpassing 50,000 travellers in a single day for the first time.